Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Travis Louie -

Post=modernism
In terms of content/themes I am reminded of these
This piece is also making reference to one of my favourite movies. The imagery and style connect it directly to this;
This film, in my opinion relies heavily on Absurdism. Absurdist philosophy would not exist without the Existentialist Movement of the 19th century.
Modernism
Existentialism is a broad intellectual movement ... including artists, musicians, poets, film-makers and comedians that developed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
-How to be an Existentialist by Gary Cox
Travis Louie has said in interviews that he is inspired by 19th century photography, which is definitely noticeable in this piece, as well as other works of his.
Modern Era
The black and white/sepia tone of the painting has the same aesthetic as films that were made towards the end of the Modern era
The hair of the character has a puffed quality to it, which reminds me of perukes
These wigs were powdered and used to cover up scalp sores and baldness in men that were caused by the STD known as syphilis.
-http://www.sott.net/article/248257-Wigged-Out-What-was-the-17th-Century-craze-for-powdered-wigs-about
The single eye could be referencing the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus and his quote;
In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king
Medieval history
Fangs represent vampirism
Ancient History
The Cyclops of Ancient Greek mythology